Evil Overheard

One day, Michael Angelo (no relation) felt the call of nature and entered the men’s bathroom at his local shopping mall. The bathroom appeared empty as he quietly stepped into a stall. He was lowering his trousers, when he realized that someone, indeed, was occupying the second stall to his left. As Michael sat upon his throne, pondering the big questions of life (What am I doing this Friday night? I wonder who will win the playoffs? Did humankind really land on the moon?), he heard a gruff voice from the stall begin to speak, as though dictating a memo to a secretary:

***

“This message has got to get out to our agents as soon as possible,” began the voice in a hushed tone. “The public are beginning to awaken to their essential nature and attempting to gain the upper hand. That’s not going to happen–not under my reign. We’ve got to use all of our resources. Humans are highly susceptible to fear, and ignorant of their own latent abilities; we’re going to use that to our advantage. Release as many fearful stories as possible, regarding every type of event far and wide. Ensure that the incidents appear real, and back them up with video clips of officials reporting on scene. Flood the public with images and stories of hatred, racism, and violence–via print media, television, radio, and mobile devices–with a subtlety that won’t be noticed. Use subliminal messages when you’re certain that they won’t be detected. If anyone hassles you, get back to me and I’ll take care of the matter. Bribe anyone willing to take the money; and if that doesn’t work, use blackmail. Beyond that, hire violence; but ensure that any deaths appear accidental. It’s important that any hint of resistance is squashed immediately.”

***

And just as quickly as the voice had begun speaking, it abruptly stopped. As Michael listened quietly, with the back of his neck becoming clammy, he suddenly smelled a foul odour emanating from the stall to his left. The stench seemed the perfect punctuation to the end of the evil message. When he heard the stall door rasp open, he silently lifted his feet off the floor so that his presence wouldn’t be noticed.

Michael assumed that the character must have been the devil–what else could be that menacing and evil? Unbeknownst to him, the unidentified figure appeared much like you or me. Just for the record, he didn’t wash his hands.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. “Thank You” & “Note to Publishers” 🙏🏻🧡

We Are The Solution

There’s an old story told that goes as follows:

***

A town lies in the pathway of an oncoming flood. The residents are warned that they must evacuate because the water level is rising very quickly. Most people heed the warning and flee, using whatever means available to find dry land. One man, however, remains alone in his home. The water rises to the level of his front porch. Soon after, people in a rubber dinghy paddle up to his house. “Get in,” they call, “we’ll save you!” “No,” says the man, “I’m waiting on God to save me!” The people in the dinghy reluctantly leave, and the waters continue to rise.

A few hours later, the man is forced to climb to the second floor of his home. He is standing on the balcony when people come by in a power boat. “Get in,” they call, “we’ll save you!” “No,” calls the man, “I’m waiting on God to save me!” The people reluctantly leave, unable to believe their eyes.

The flood waters rise with even greater intensity, and the man is forced to climb onto the roof of his home. He’s clinging to the chimney when a helicopter flies overhead. A rope ladder is flung out of the helicopter, and a rescuer descends. “Grab hold,” calls the rescuer, “we’ll save you!” “No,” shouts the man, “I’m waiting on God to save me!” The helicopter is forced to fly away. The house finally tumbles over in the raging waters, and the man drowns. When the man arrives in Heaven, he’s very angry with God. “I believed in You!” he cries. “Why didn’t you save me?” To this, God replies: “What did you want? I sent you a dinghy, a power boat, and a helicopter!”

***

There was a time when I thought the story was just a mildly humorous joke–which reveals that I, too, missed the boat! The story is actually intended to relate great wisdom. God/Source/The Universe works through us. Until we understand this, we’re missing a tremendously important point. All of us possess gifts that are intended to be shared for the benefit of everyone; and fortunately our gifts are unique. To enable ourselves to give from the heart, we must do some soul searching and discover our true passion. When we live our purpose–there’s the joy!

The next time that you’re seeking divine assistance for a problem, keep your eyes open and your intuition attuned. The solution might arrive through a person sitting next to you on the bus or subway; or through a friend who knows of a friend. More important, you might realize that Divinity Incarnate–in the form of you and the “other” person–is present.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Observations in Co-Creation

Oh, how I remember the days–when I doubted that I had created the experiences that had occurred in my life. Sure, I reasoned that I had created the good in my life; but how could I possibly have created the bad…and the ugly too? I could not accept this until my study of the Law of Attraction led me further along the mystical path. Then it became clear. Perhaps it’s now your turn. Let’s see if the logic makes sense to you, as it did for me.

To reach that turning point, please contemplate one aspect of your life. It might relate to where you live; your current career; or the partner with whom you share your life. Can you–with just a little introspection–accept responsibility for a result that manifest in the past? If so, can you step a little further into the introspection tunnel and admit “I created that”?” Is it by accident that you live in your present home and location? Or did your thinking play an integral role. Is it by accident that you married your spouse? Or did your thinking also lead to that? And of your career, were you dropped into it by Fate? Or did your thinking–perhaps through childhood daydreaming–place you in your current field of employment?

If you can logically trace the breadcrumb trail of thought–to action–to result in one aspect of your life, you’re in the position of power to create deliberately again. First: Decide what you desire. Make the vision strong, clear, vibrant, and impelling. Second: Believe, believe, believe. Visualize each and every day; making sure to imbue your visualizations with emotion. Feel the aliveness of your vision by engaging all of your senses. Third: Receive through action. When you feel the intuitive nudges to act, step through the door that leads to your desired future and dare to act; even if such action involves facing your fears. When you do, you”ll behold your dream made real.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. May it help you in your spiritual journey. 🙏🙏

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Place Your Reservation

Imagine with me, if you will, that you walk into a fast food restaurant and approach the woman behind the counter. You look her in the eye and innocently say, “Yes, my last name is Smith and I have a reservation for two, at seven thirty. My friend and I would like a table with a view.” What type of response do you think you would receive? Imagine with me, also, that you visit the beautiful state of Utah. However, instead of appreciating the beauty of it’s amazing vistas and rock formations, that you’re disappointed because you can’t reserve a hotel room with a view of the Pacific! And–you’re probably asking yourself–the point of this?

The point relates to an axiom of the Principle of Correspondence in the Kybalion, a book of ancient wisdom. It states: As Above, so Below; As Below, so Above. Meaning? It means that there is correspondence–or correlation–among the planes of being and life. The three planes– The Physical, Mental, and Spiritual–are not actual planes but arbitrary divisions or degrees in the scale of life. Such divisions are not hard and fast but shade in and out of one another. The Principle of Correspondence is important to understand, for with it, we can–and will–manifest more effectively.

What does this mean, practically? It means that to manifest more effectively we must align ourselves spiritually, mentally, and physically. In the spiritual: We must habitually be whatever we desire. In the mental: we must habitually think of what we desire. In the physical, we must habitually act in ways that reflect what we desire. The three states must align–or correspond–before we’ll experience the manifestation.

Using the analogy of the reservations from the first paragraph, that means that we cannot manifest prosperity by being, thinking, and acting poor. That means that we cannot enjoy health by being, thinking, and acting sick. That means that we cannot enjoy success by being, thinking, and acting failure. To be, think, and act in ways that contradict what we desire–does not make sense; in the same way that seeking a view of the Pacific from Utah does not make sense. You just can’t get that from there.

So, what do we desire? Is it great health, increased wealth, wonderful relationships, or more success? If so, it’s time to place our reservations. How to you do this? Through the powers of our imagination–first. Be it, think it, act it! We must imagine what we desire, and concentrate with patient and detached persistence. By doing so, we’re placing our reservation with the Universe. After that, we have only to remain strong in our faith, and then act upon our intuitive nudges. Law will bring what we desire.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Risking Life

All successful men and women are willing to do this to achieve their goals; and we can guess what that is by the title of this article. That’s right: Risk! That doesn’t mean these brave souls just jump at whatever desires catch their attention. It does, however, mean they were willing to take the risk of following their dreams.

The greatest risk that successful people take is stepping out of their comfort zones. They’re willing to leave the supposed safety and comfort associated with the old version of their little self–the one that hadn’t achieved the goals they desired–and risk stepping into the brave new version. In doing so, they not only face the potential negative reactions of friends, family, and acquaintances; but also the consequences that might arise from attempting to achieve their goal. Ultimately they’re willing to risk losing their known way of being in the world to step into the unknown. They realize that only in the unknown–and a new way of being in the world–can they receive what the The Universe has to offer.

Did these brave men and women actually risk failure? No, not at all; for the only true risk is not attempting to achieve our desires. As the saying goes: Don’t die with the music still inside of you! Is risking easy? Are there going to be sleepless nights when we might wonder “What the heck am I doing“? Yes, absolutely; but that–in truth–is part of the excitement! The more often we step outside of our comfort zone, the more comfortable we become doing so! Such is just a skill set, like any other; and we can learn to live that way. That’s what successful people do. So can we. When we reflect upon our life, we’ll realize that we’ve done it before…many times. Perhaps we just need to be reminded that we can do it again. Go for it, my fellow beings—I believe in you!

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Perfectly Imperfect

Our study of the Law of Attraction is done for one basic reason: To improve our skill at deliberate creation. Most individuals seem dependent on Fate, that cruel master who delivers a good life to some…but not to most. We, however, yearn to be free; to create according to our own desires. With this in mind, we govern our thoughts, words, and actions. We trust that we will be guided. And so…

We apply ourselves earnestly. We water our goal daily, as though tending to an intangible seed. We read books and study; learn from mentors who’ve been successful in a similar field; take action based on intuitive guidance. At some point, however, we may stumble over a trait that’s common to many individuals: the desire for perfection.

Here’s the rub: Although the desire to perform flawlessly may seem harmless, or even noble, such a mindset may actually prevent us from ever achieving our goal! Why? Because whether we know it or not, fear is often intimately linked to the desire for perfection. Behind the scenes, our ego may be lurking, whispering: What if people laugh at my efforts? What if I face ridicule, rejection, or failure? What if, what if, what if? And related to this nature of thinking are two consequences: (A) It may prevent us from ever beginning a project (under the guise of being rational); or (B) ever releasing our creative works out into the world. The reason: To keep us comfortably–and supposedly–safe in the shadows.

The good news? Perspective, and the knowledge that we are free to choose it! When we cast off our insane need for perfection–while still maintaining the desire to perform to the best of our current ability–we take giant steps forward! We come into our own sense of power and person! We also connect with a deeper way of being in the world; one that courageously states “This is my effort! Like it, dislike it! Accept it, or reject it!” We’re able to see beyond our fears related to acceptance, to what truly matters: that we ever tried in the first place! That alone puts us ahead of the crowd! Find one person who has always been successful first time, every time, and we will most likely have found a liar.

We, however, may be honest with ourselves and true to our vision. We may feel the fear and step through it. We may risk being vulnerable to grasp the reward awaiting us! And if we’re concerned about what others think, we may rest assured in this: Chances are they won’t even notice. They’re probably more concerned about what we’re thinking about them.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Ashes

There’s an Eskimo Proverb that reads as follows: Yesterday is ashes. Tomorrow is green wood. Only today does the fire burn brightly. In a few short words, the proverb offers wisdom that–when applied–can improve our point of attraction now. And with a good point of attraction (predominant attitude) we’re going to attract better experiences. That doesn’t mean maybe; that doesn’t mean possibly; that doesn’t mean perhaps. That means we most certainly will! It’s universal law.

One of the key teachings regarding the Law of Attraction is that all of us–in some way or another–may unintentionally disallow the good we seek by viewing the world through a perspective that doesn’t serve our best interests. When we don’t see clearly, we may miss opportunities to mine golden experiences right here and now. One of the ways we do this is by focusing on either the past or the future. “This and this and this was wrong in the past; and that and that and that is going to be wrong in the future!” The proverb, however, serves as a potent reminder of the truth: Only today does the fire burn brightly! Only now matters. And only in the present moment do we connect fully and vibrantly with power. The thoughts we engage in the living moments of our lives are, indeed, creating our future experiences.

So what does this mean? It means that whatever we experience–perhaps divorce, the end of a career, a financial loss–becomes ashes the moment it’s experienced. The experience only continues if we mentally carry those ashes forward. The same is true of positive experiences. Repercussions of either may reverberate for some time, but the actual events are over. In short, we are always creating. The decision of what we create–be it joy, misery, or a degree somewhere between the two–is up to us. And here, another expression offers great truth: Pain is inevitable; suffering is an option. We suffer when we resist what has been created in any moment.

Are we to give up on any future goals and just float around like ducks in water, waiting to bump into whatever drifts our way? No, not at all. We are co-creators and we’re meant to create; but from a balanced perspective that reflects an understanding of what’s truly important in life. We’re also wise to drop our concerns about the past, for it’s senseless to worry about that which cannot be changed; and equally as pointless to forfeit today’s richness by fretting over an imagined future!

Regarding actual ashes: Good friends of mine recently shared an account that holds great value. It relates to an elderly aunt of theirs, and the death of her longtime partner. He had died about three months prior; his body cremated. They told me that during a visit with her they watched as she surreptitiously spread her partner’s ashes in a location that had held special meaning for both of them. His ashes had been contained in a cardboard box lined with plastic. Their account reminded me of the Eskimo Proverb. I thought: All that we fret about; worry about; lose sleep about; are anxious or angry about–all of it will be reduced to ashes.

Is this–to know that we will undoubtedly die–cause to be maudlin? No, not at all; at least from my perspective. To know that our bodies will, indeed, return again to dust provides us even more reason to live–fully, joyously, and gratefully in the moment! Aware of this, we may ask ourselves what gold surrounds us here and now. Is it not waiting to be mined by individuals who possess the right attitude? Are we fortunate enough to have family, friends, bread, water, a roof over our head? And certainly not least: Love? Does love not hold the greatest value of all? Truly knowing this–not just parroting the words–has the potential to change our life for the better; and not at some distant point in time. Now.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Preemptive Strikes

Most of us, unfortunately, will be familiar with the term preemptive strike, usually in the context of war. From Wikipedia, its basic definition is as follows: A surprise attack launched with the stated intention of countering an anticipated enemy offensive. The premise is that the first to strike will gain advantage, likely by catching the enemy off guard or unprepared.

As this relates to the Law of Attraction, a preemptive strike is not against an enemy but against ourselves and our goals! In many cases, such action reveals hidden fear or a subconscious belief in unworthiness rather than any real reason why our goals can’t be achieved! This covert operation is often habitual, a mechanism related to memories of past goals attempted without success. It works thus: Instead of allowing our goal to manifest, through intuitive guidance toward action required, we unconsciously defeat it with our negative thinking. Once again, this type of mentality offers proof that we bring about what we think about! It is destructive in nature, not constructive. This is the strike; the attack against our own aspirations.

Why, though, would our mind attack a goal that could potentially enrich our life? Because a new goal requires us to shift out of our comfort zone, and that can be a terrifying experience! In fact, many motivational speakers claim that if a goal doesn’t scare us a little that it’s probably not big enough! When the mind strikes down a goal, we may temporarily feel some relief, just to have the matter settled. However, in the quiet hours of the soul we realize what’s being sacrificed.

Regarding preemptive strikes in war, who would know the best action to be taken? This, however, is certain regarding the achievement of our goals: Unless we remain open to possibilities, we doom our dreams. The mind that’s launching preemptive strikes would have us believe that it’s being of benefit; that it’s protecting us from painful future experiences. But such a mentality negates the value of lessons learned from attempting in the first place! It’s actually sabotaging our dreams before they’ve been given a chance.

How do we counter these attacks if they occur? By recognizing them for the enemy they are! By questioning their validity and, if appropriate, refusing to accept that our goal can’t be achieved just because we don’t know the way now! Such requires patience, persistence, insight, faith, and action! The subconscious will undoubtedly attempt to convince us to be realistic; to accept that some people are lucky and some not. The truth, however, is that luck has nothing to do with it.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Applied Willpower

Wallace D. Wattles (1860 – 1911) was a New Thought author who wrote many books on the subject of the Law of Attraction. In The Science of Getting Rich, he devoted an entire chapter to sharing his opinions about the proper use of willpower. His views are logical and helpful for everyone who desires to apply the Law of Attraction more effectively.

When the subject of willpower arises, the thought of New Year’s Eve might immediately spring to mind. We might think of the countless resolutions that are made…and often soon broken. We might also picture a struggle or battle; one in which we physically force ourselves to reach for a pinnacle that symbolizes success.

For some individuals, the use of willpower also includes the misguided notion of manipulating others through deceit and duplicity. Of this, Wallace Wattles is very clear. He states that mental coercion through the use of willpower is no less wrong than physical coercion. He also states that our willpower is not to be used outwardly, upon effects that already exist. We are to use it inwardly, at the level of cause. According to him, the purpose of applied willpower is to change who we are, at the core of our Being. And as we already realize, when we change within, the world without must also change.

How do we properly use willpower? By exercising our power to choose right thoughts. In any given situation, right nature thoughts create right–or better—results. We, ourselves, possess the power to choose how we think and feel. With a clearer perspective, we may consciously and consistently engage better thoughts; thereby creating better outcomes. The key, of course, is to put these teachings into practice.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Be Strong

How simple it may sound, to be strong. And how annoying it may be, especially if stated by individuals who appear to be sitting on top of the world, seemingly removed from any trials and tribulations. Such advice may seem trite, useless, hollow, and worthless. It isn’t. Let’s contemplate this further through a brief detour into personal history:

A year ago, I had another knee surgery. Nothing major: the second tear to the meniscus of my right knee. It should be fine, but that wasn’t what my thoughts were telling me during the first few days post surgery, when my knee was sore and difficult to bend. And my thoughts didn’t serve me well when I recalled the surgeon’s words as he showed me photos taken within my knee: “And here’s what we didn’t want to see.” He was referring to arthritis, I assume, or definitely wear and tear.

The point of this article is not a pity party about one guy’s knee. The purpose is to offer real life strategies grounded in the effective use of thought. While the mind–that great trickster–would have us believe there’s something useful behind weak and fearful thoughts, we must ignore it. We must turn it off, as though a tap dripping acid on our head. Instead, we must turn on thoughts that empower us toward the results we desire achieved. In my case, that meant ignoring “What if this ends my career? What if the pain continues? What if I need a knee replacement?” and focusing on thoughts that served my highest good. The goodness appears when we learn to think effectively.

The late Wayne Dyer (1940 – 2015) expressed this simply and succinctly: The law of floatation was not discovered by contemplating the sinking of things. Meaning: We cannot possibly achieve what we desire by thinking about what we don’t! Ernest Holmes (1887 – 1960), who was a New Thought writer, teacher, and leader, expressed this in a different manner through the following quote: No soul can demonstrate two things at the same time if one contradicts the other. There is no way except to let go of all that you do not wish to come into your experience, and, in mind, take all that you do wish. If we don’t desire to spend our lives wallowing in weakness, we must first be stronger and more determined. This builds the character that helps us navigate through the storms of life.

How may we apply this to co-create real and lasting results? By focusing on empowering thoughts–perhaps through affirmations such as I am strong, or I am getting better each and every day–despite facing the most trying circumstances. This means overcoming the temptation to focus on our troubles–perhaps health issues, business struggles, marriage woes, or the death of a loved one. Weak and fearful thoughts can never create strength! When we break the habit of worrying upon weakness, our own natural strength will rise within us. We were born with it. It’s an essential aspect of our true nature.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Think2wice

CONSCIOUSNESS, SPIRITUALITY, & LAW OF ATTRACTION

Tag: Consciousness, Spirituality, & Law of Attraction

Evil Overheard

We Are The Solution

Observations in Co-Creation

Place Your Reservation

Risking Life

Perfectly Imperfect

Ashes

Preemptive Strikes

Applied Willpower

Be Strong

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